French Cuisine in Ubud: Best Bistros, Cafés, and Fine-Dining Restaurants
French Cuisine in Ubud at a Glance
French cuisine in Ubud ranges from traditional bistros and French-style cafés to bakeries, brunch spots, wine bars, and fine dining influenced by French techniques. Whether you want croissants, classic French dishes, a relaxed bistro meal, or a refined tasting menu, Ubud offers several options to suit different occasions and budgets.
| Dining Style | Best For | Typical Experience | Price Level | Reservation |
| French bakery & café | Pastries and breakfast | Croissants, baguettes, coffee | Budge-moderate | Usually optional |
| French breakfast & brunch | Slow mornings | Croissants, crêpes, eggs and coffee | Moderate | Recommended |
| Traditional French bistro | Classic French food | À la carte lunch or dinner | Moderate-premium | Recommended |
| French-inspired bistro | Casual dining | French and European dishes | Moderate | Recommended |
| French-influenced fine dining | Special occasions | Multi-course tasting menus | Premium-luxury | Usually required |
Restaurant information and menu details last verified: August 2026.
Best French Restaurants in Ubud by Dining Style
Ubud’s French dining scene includes dedicated French bistros, casual European-style restaurants, French bakeries, and venues that use French techniques in a broader culinary concept. Rather than ranking them overall, the options below are grouped by the type of experience they offer.
Best for a Traditional French Bistro Experience
La Cantine
- Best for: Classic French bistro dishes and wine
- Price range: Moderate to premium
- Meal periods: Lunch and dinner
- Reservations: Recommended
- Location: Jl. Nyuh Bojog Desa No.4, Mas, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
- Opening hours: Daily 11.30 AM–11.00 PM
La Cantine is a French eatery and wine bar in central Ubud, built around fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. The menu covers familiar French favourites, from Croque Monsieur and Quiche Lorraine to Confit de Canard, Steak Frites, Boeuf Bourguignon, Steak Tartare, and Crème Brûlée. Vegetarian diners can opt for the Vegetarian Raclette. Outside the food, the pool table, books, and children’s corner give La Cantine a relaxed, easygoing feel.
Last verified: August 2026
Best for Casual French-Inspired Dining
French Kiss Ubud
- Best for: Casual French dining, cocktails, and evening drinks
- Price range: Moderate to premium
- Meal periods: Breakfast through dinner
- Reservations: Recommended
- Location: Monkey Forest, Street Jalan Wenara Wana, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
- Opening hours: Daily 7.00 AM–10.30 PM
French Kiss Ubud combines a chef’s live kitchen and open-air bar downstairs with a more intimate bistro upstairs. Its menu includes classic French dishes such as Escargots, French Onion Soup, Beef Bourguignon, Duck Leg Confit, Crème Brûlée, and Profiteroles, alongside breakfast, sandwiches, pasta, cocktails, and wine.
With its two-level layout, French Kiss works just as well for a casual daytime meal as it does for a laid-back evening.
Last verified: August 2026
Kebun Bistro
- Best for: French-Mediterranean dining and relaxed bistro meals
- Price range: Moderate
- Meal periods: Brunch, lunch, and dinner
- Reservations: Recommended for groups
- Location: next to Tegun Galeri, Jl. Hanoman No.44, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
- Opening hours: Monday–Thu 11.00 AM–11.00 PM | Friday–Sunday 9.00 AM–11.00 PM
At Kebun Bistro, French and Mediterranean influences come together on a fairly broad menu. Think fresh bread and pastries, French-style plates, pizza, pasta, desserts, and wine. Vegetarian diners have options too. It is a casual place, making it a good fit when you want French-inspired food without the formality of a traditional dinner setting.
Last verified: August 2026
Best for French Pastries and Breakfast
ÂME Bistro & Coffee Ubud
- Best for: French-inspired breakfast and brunch
- Price range: IDR 65,000–155,000 per dish
- Meal periods: Breakfast and brunch
- Reservations: Recommended
- Location: Jl. Raya Sanggingan No.87X, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
- Opening hours: Daily 7.00 AM–7.00 PM
ÂME Bistro & Coffee Ubud is a strong choice for a French-inspired breakfast or brunch in Ubud. The all-day breakfast menu brings together buttery croissants, French-style crêpes, eggs, and other European-inspired morning favourites.
Among the croissant options are Cured Salmon, Roast Beef, and Ham & Cheese with béchamel. The crêpe selection includes Crêpe au Champignons, Crêpe au Jambon, Crêpe au Poulet, and Crêpe au Saumon. Vegetarian diners can choose from mushroom crêpes, savory oatmeal, granola, salads, and roasted cauliflower. At present, however, there are no vegan breakfast options.
Coffee is part of the breakfast offering too, with a selection of espresso-based drinks. Menu prices are subject to 11% tax and a 6% service charge.
Last verified: August 2026
Daily Baguette
- Best for: French bread, croissants, and takeaway pastries
- Price range: Budget to moderate
- Meal periods: Breakfast, brunch, and daytime dining
- Reservations: Usually optional
- Location: Jl. Raya Ubud No.27, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
- Opening hours: Daily 6.00 AM–9.30 PM
Daily Baguette is a French bakery and café specialising in freshly baked croissants, baguettes, breads, and pastries. It was founded by a couple who had previously worked in a Parisian boulangerie, bringing their experience with French baking traditions and ingredients to Bali.
From freshly baked baguettes and Danish pastries to tarts, macarons, croissants, French toast, crêpes, quiches, and breakfast dishes, the menu covers plenty of French bakery and café favourites. Guests can pick up items to take away or settle in at the café for a more relaxed meal.
Last verified: August 2026
Café Gabriel
- Best for: French pastries, coffee, and relaxed café dining
- Price range: Budget to moderate
- Meal periods: Breakfast and daytime dining
- Reservations: Usually optional
- Location: Jl. Raya Sayan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
- Opening hours: Daily 7.30 AM–10.00 PM
Café Gabriel offers a more relaxed Parisian-style experience than its sister French bistro on Jl. Bisma. The menu brings together French café favourites, lighter breakfast options, freshly baked breads and pastries, as well as espresso-based coffee drinks.
With croissants, tarts, breads, and French desserts on offer, the bakery is ideal for a quick pastry and coffee rather than a complete French dinner. If a pastry is not enough, the daytime menu also includes sandwiches and wholesome bistro-style dishes for a more complete meal.
Last verified: August 2026
Best for French-Inspired Fine Dining
Apéritif
- Best for: French-influenced fine dining and tasting menus
- Price range: Premium to luxury
- Meal periods: Fine-dining service
- Reservations: Required
- Location: Br. Nagi, Jl. Lanyahan, Petulu, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
- Opening hours: Daily 12.00 PM–3.00 PM & 3.00 PM–11.00 PM
Apéritif takes a broader approach through its Borderless Food philosophy, combining classical French and European techniques with Indonesian ingredients and global influences. Led by Executive Chef Nic Vanderbeeken, its dishes may include foie gras, Wellington, beurre blanc, caviar, and refined pastry work alongside Indonesian flavours.
Rather than serving a traditional French à la carte menu, Apéritif focuses on multi-course degustation menus, including vegetarian and vegan options, with optional wine pairings. It is best described as French-influenced fine dining rather than a traditional French restaurant. Smart to formal attire is expected.
Last verified: August 2026
Best for a Romantic French Dinner
Couples planning a French dinner in Ubud have several atmospheres to choose from. Apéritif works well when dinner is part of a special celebration, especially if you want a tasting menu with wine. At La Cantine, you can settle in for a casual French meal without the formality of a special-occasion restaurant.
Best for French Food and Wine
For a casual food-and-wine evening, La Cantine keeps things relaxed. Apéritif takes a more refined approach, with a sommelier and wine-pairing options available alongside its tasting menus.
Lighter white wines are generally a good match for seafood, whereas duck and beef tend to work better with fuller reds. For dessert, a sweet wine can be a nice finish. If wine is not your thing, it is worth asking whether the restaurant has a non-alcoholic pairing to go with the meal.
Last verified: August 2026
Classic French Dishes to Try in Ubud
Ubud has a mix of French bistros, cafés, and bakeries, which means the food selection can be quite different from one place to another. If you have a particular dish in mind, it is best to check the latest menu before visiting.
Starters
Popular French starters to look for include French onion soup, escargots, pâté, terrine, goat cheese salad, charcuterie, and oysters. Escargots, for example, are currently featured at French Kiss Ubud.
Main Courses
Classic options include duck confit, steak frites, beef bourguignon, coq au vin, ratatouille, quiche, and croque monsieur. La Cantine currently serves several of these, including Confit de Canard, Steak Frites, Boeuf Bourguignon, Quiche Lorraine, and Croque Monsieur.
Some Ubud restaurants also give these classics a contemporary or locally inspired interpretation.
Desserts and Pastries
For dessert, look for crème brûlée, tarte tatin, profiteroles, chocolate desserts, mille-feuille, and macarons. Crème brûlée and profiteroles appear on several current menus, while Daily Baguette is a particularly good option for French pastries, tarts, macarons, croissants, and artisan breads.
| Dish | What It Is | Typical Main Ingredients | Suitable Meal |
| Duck confit | Duck slowly cooked in its own fat | Duck, salt, herbs | Dinner |
| Steak frites | Steak served with French fries | Beef, potatoes, butter or sauce | Lunch or dinner |
| Beef bourguignon | Slow-cooked beef stew | Beef, red wine, vegetables | Lunch or dinner |
| Ratatouille | Slow-cooked vegetable dish | Tomato, zucchini, eggplant | Lunch or dinner |
| Crème brûlée | Baked custard with caramelized sugar | Cream, egg, vanilla | Dessert |
| Croque monsieur | Grilled ham and cheese sandwich | Ham, cheese, bread, béchamel | Breakfast or lunch |
Traditional French Food vs French-Inspired Dining
Traditional French restaurants focus on classic dishes and techniques, such as steak frites, escargots, quiche, and duck confit. La Cantine fits this style more closely.
French influence can also appear alongside other culinary traditions. The kitchen at Apéritif brings European techniques together with Indonesian ingredients, which fits its wider Borderless Food philosophy.
How to Choose a French Restaurant in Ubud
The best French restaurant in Ubud depends on the occasion, budget, and dining style.
For Breakfast
For pastries and French breads, Daily Baguette is a strong choice. For a more substantial brunch, Âme Bistro offers croissants, crêpes, eggs, and coffee.
For a Casual Lunch
Kebun Bistro and French Kiss Ubud offer relaxed settings with French-inspired dishes alongside broader menus, making them suitable for groups.
For a Romantic Dinner
For a more intimate French dinner, consider the relaxed bistro atmosphere of La Cantine.
For a Special Occasion
Apéritif is the strongest option for fine dining, with multi-course degustation menus and optional wine pairings.
For Families
La Cantine has a children's corner, while French Kiss Ubud and Kebun Bistro offer broader menus that can suit different preferences.
Choose by Budget
There are plenty of ways to enjoy French food in Ubud without sticking to one price range. A pastry and coffee can be inexpensive, while tasting menus sit at the premium end. It is also worth checking how each restaurant handles tax and service charges.
| Budget Level | Typical Experience | What to Expect |
| Budget | Pastry, coffee, or light café meal | Informal seating and simple dishes |
| Moderate | Bistro lunch or à la carte dinner | Main dishes, desserts, and drinks |
| Premium | Upscale bistro or wine-focused dining | Higher-value dishes and full service |
| Luxury | Tasting menu and beverage pairing | Multiple courses, advance booking, and longer meals |
Planning your budget? Check the latest menu first, then look at the restaurant’s billing policy to see what will be added to the final total.
Choose by Dietary Requirements
French cuisine often uses butter, cream, cheese, eggs, wheat, and meat-based stocks, so diners with dietary restrictions should check ingredients in advance.
Vegetarian options are available at several venues. Âme Bistro lists pumpkin risotto, ratatouille, roasted cauliflower, mushroom crêpes, and salads; La Cantine serves Vegetarian Raclette; and Apéritif has vegetarian and vegan degustation menus. For food allergies, speak directly with the restaurant before dining.
Practical Dining Information
- Reservations: Walk-ins are usually possible at casual cafés and bakeries, but booking ahead is a better idea for dinner, larger groups, or fine dining. Apéritif, in particular, should be arranged in advance for its degustation experience.
- Dress code: Casual and smart-casual clothing is generally fine at cafés and bistros. For Apéritif, guests are expected to dress more formally, with beachwear, sportswear, singlets, and flip-flops not permitted.
- Tax & service: Check whether prices are nett or exclude additional charges. Âme Bistro adds 11% tax and 6% service charge, while Apéritif uses “++” pricing.
One-Day French Food Itinerary in Ubud
A French food day in Ubud does not have to mean three full meals. Mixing a bakery stop with a relaxed bistro meal and a more refined dinner gives you a better sense of the variety available.
Casual French Food Day
- Breakfast: Start with a croissant, baguette, or coffee at Daily Baguette.
- Lunch: Choose a relaxed French or European bistro such as Kebun Bistro.
- Afternoon: Stop for a French pastry, tart, or coffee.
- Dinner: Finish with classic French comfort food and wine at La Cantine.
Romantic French Dining Day
- Start with a light breakfast and coffee.
- Spend the afternoon exploring Ubud.
- Return to the hotel to rest and get ready.
- Begin the evening with an apéritif or glass of wine.
- Have a relaxed French dinner at La Cantine.
French Inspired Fine Dining Evening
For a special occasion, reserve Apéritif in advance, communicate dietary requirements, and allow several hours for the degustation experience. If choosing a wine pairing, avoid scheduling another major activity afterward.
| Itinerary | Duration | Price Level | Transport | Best For |
| Casual food day | Full day | Moderate | Walking and taxi | General visitors |
| Romantic evening | 4–5 hours | Premium | Driver or taxi | Couples |
| Fine-dining evening | 3–4 hours | Luxury | Pre-arranged transport | Celebrations |
Restaurant information and menus in this guide were last verified in August 2026. Menus, prices, service charges, opening hours, and availability can change, so readers should confirm details directly with the restaurant before visiting.
FAQs
Where can I find French cuisine in Ubud?
Ubud has traditional French bistros, bakeries, casual cafés, and fine-dining restaurants with French or European influences. La Cantine and Gabriel suit classic French dining, while Daily Baguette focuses on French breads and pastries.
Are there traditional French bistros in Ubud?
Yes. La Cantine is among the options most closely associated with traditional French bistro dining, offering dishes such as steak frites, escargots, duck confit, quiche, and classic French desserts.
Where can I get croissants in Ubud?
Daily Baguette is a strong choice for freshly baked croissants, baguettes, and French pastries. Âme Bistro is better suited if you want a croissant as part of a seated breakfast or brunch.
Are there French fine-dining restaurants in Ubud?
Yes, although some are French-influenced rather than purely French. Apéritif combines European techniques with Indonesian and global flavours through multi-course degustation menus.
Is French food expensive in Ubud?
Prices vary widely. Pastries and coffee are relatively affordable, bistro meals are moderate to premium, while fine-dining tasting menus can cost significantly more.
Do French restaurants in Ubud serve vegetarian food?
Yes. Vegetarian options are available at several venues, including La Cantine and Âme Bistro. Apéritif also offers dedicated vegetarian and vegan degustation menus.
Do I need to book French restaurants in advance?
Casual cafés and bakeries are generally easier for walk-ins. For dinner, groups, or fine dining, reservations are recommended. Apéritif requires more advance planning due to its tasting-menu format.
What is the difference between French cuisine and French-inspired cuisine?
Traditional French cuisine focuses on classic dishes and established techniques. French-inspired cuisine may combine French methods with other culinary traditions, such as Indonesian ingredients and flavours.
Can French restaurants accommodate food allergies?
Some restaurants can accommodate dietary requirements with advance notice, but allergy safety should never be assumed. Contact the restaurant directly and communicate any allergies before dining.
